Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. However, Andrea, Marissa, Dana and Fluffy…er *my* Fluffy are mine.
I'd like to thank everyone for the reviews. They were wonderful. Umm about Ariana…she *will* be a part of this story. Just remember that the story is in Hermione's POV and Ariana will show up when Hermi sees her.
Another note: Swirling Colours is my priority. This story and "Torn Between Worlds" are only secondary, which means they get updated wither when I'm in the mood, or when I can't work on Swirling Colours. So be patient with chapters. And now I think I'll let you read the chapter.
***
Chapter 2: Telephones
***
I *hate* telephones. That doesn't stop me from having one. Actually, I have two. A cell phone and a regular one. I protested and protested against my cell, but no luck. Cindy may be a wonderful friend, but she's also my boss and what she says goes.
The phone rang again. I *really* felt like killing it now. My phone is one of those phones that you can take around the house. At times I must admit it *is* handy. Then there are times when I can't find it and I want to scream. This was one of the latter.
The phone rang again. That's when I remembered I left it in the kitchen. My kitchen, which happens to be a mess. My kitchen where I can barely step into it. My kitchen where my phone is.
The phone rang again. I decided to ignore the mess in my kitchen and leaped over the box in the doorway, lunging for the phone. I managed to reach it as it rang again. Damn phone. "Hello?"
"You will not *believe* what happened the other day. Marissa is *so* stupid. You know that huge dog of hers? Fluffy? I mean, why would she name a hundred pond dog that's almost as tall as *I* am Fluffy? And she keeps on obsessing on calling it not *it*. `Fluffy's not an *It*, Andi, Fluffy's a *she*.' Dogs are dogs. Who cares if it's an `it' or not? *Anyway*, somehow it got out. No idea how, she lives on the Fifth Story in the Penthouse Apartment, but somehow it gout out of the building, just as the Doorman noticed it left.
"And oh my God, he calls her on the phone and tells her, `Miss, your dog just escaped'. He didn't even go *running* after it! And then Marissa screams at him to catch him and she runs down the stairs, all *five* stories, and runs out the building into the streets of New York at ten-thirty in the morning when *everyone* is out, in her *pyjamas*!
"She's wearing her silk flowered pants that cost about a hundred bucks, but like she *cares*, I mean Marissa is *rich*, but honestly. And then she has the top on as well, but it wasn't buttoned, just open and she has her bra underneath, but thank-god it wasn't one of those lacy, silky ones she likes to get at Victoria Secrets, just something from Gap, a plain white cotton piece.
"Well, she doesn't have any shoes on and people are already wondering why a huge white dog is running around on the streets and *then* comes a crazy woman not even dressed yelling `Fluffy! Fluffy, come back! Momma's here!' God, it was *hilarious*!
"Eventually Marissa *does* catch Fluffy, but not until two hours later, when they've run through about half of New York. And it was even on the *news*! At six. And it was in the newspaper too! And get this, some movie director was filming a movie and he wants this scene in it. Marissa's already signed the contract. It is *so* unfair."
Andrea. I don't really know how to describe Andrea, actually. She's very nice, but at the same time headstrong. She can get really hyper. And she's very independent and doesn't care a thing what you think of her and says what's on her mind and *everything*. But she *is* a great friend.
We met at college. I've been to college all over in the US, and so has she. Actually, it was Andrea's idea. We were dorm-mates at Stanford, doing well in classes, the top, actually, and then Andrea burst out one day, `let's switch'. That's Andrea. Totally unpredictable. We never finished a Semester in one place, but still managed to graduate with honours. Two years early.
I trust her with everything, but even I was hesitating about telling her what I had done last night. Andrea had never met Harry. She had heard me tells loads about him, but I was afraid that she'd hate him anyway. And don't get me wrong, I do *not* hate Harry. I'm a bit put off with him, for getting engaged, but since he had no idea how I felt, there was really nothing I could do. It wasn't his fault. And last night…well, let's just say it takes *two*.
"Hi Andi." I tried to make my voice sound strong, but I *couldn't*. Sleeping with Harry, getting drunk, our parting, the fact I didn't get much sleep, Ariana, a bit of homesickness and mix them altogether, stir and viola! You have one really screwed up day. And a migraine.
"So, how's it going in sunny old England? Can't believe you decided to leave us, Dana didn't stop crying for a week." Andrea stopped. I shook my head. Dana is a wonderful friend, but she can get very emotional on you. Crying over my departure sounded just like something I would expect from her.
"I've only been *gone* for a week, Andi." I point out, rummaging around in my drawers for aspirin. I usually *am* an organised person, but after being in a new apartment for a week, meeting old friends and family and finding your *love* is engaged to another woman, being organised doesn't seem very important anymore. Actually, nothing really seems important anymore, but anyway…
"I know, I know. But we *do* miss you." I could almost *see* Andi shaking her hand, something she does to wave off a problem. Now I think of it, Andi was probably wearing her jeans *full* of holes with some kind of ridiculous tights underneath and an oversized sweatshirt. Andrea dresses like she wants to and never lets *anyone* tell her what to wear. I have to admit I admire her for that. Though it *can* be horrifying. Like the time Marissa invited us to her parents' Multi-Millionaire Benefit party that was Black Tie. Andrea decided to turn up in a bright purple with white polka dots, sleeveless, knee-length, puffy-skirt dress with clunky purple sandals. Marissa, Dana and I were horrified, and Mrs Sinclair almost kicked Andrea out. Though it was pretty funny. "New York isn't the same without you."
I doubted her statement. New York is New York. I hadn't lived there very long, but I liked it a lot. What can I say? It's a great city, with tons of people and attractions. 99% of New York probably had no idea who I even was, not least care if I left.
And then I made one of the worst mistakes in my life. *Almost* as bad as sleeping with Harry. "Well, why don't you come to visit some time. You can *all* come. I have a big apartment." I replied, hoping to cool nerves. Perhaps Dana would take my absence better, and I admit to wanting to get together with them again. They're a cool group.
"Great, Herms. Cool. I'll tell the girls." A beeping sound was heard over the phone, meaning Andrea was calling Marissa and Dana. Soon she came back. "Wow Herms, thanks a lot. They're really excited, especially Dana. Got to go, our plane leaves in three hours. See you in a few." And before I could say anything, Andrea hung up.
I stared at the phone, the implications of Andi's words setting in. Andrea, Dana, Marissa, they were all coming to visit me. And not in a few weeks, but as in *now*. I had forgotten how Andi took everything literally and did things as soon as possible. *She* was no procrastinator.
Not to say I usually was. But at the moment, I began to think over the current situation in my apartment. I may have had normally room, but right now the only two rooms that were free are my Master Bathroom and bedroom.
And then almost on cue, my eyes flew to my refrigerator where a note written on pink flowery stationary read: `Meet Ginny at Delilah's at three.' It was two thirty and I was dressed in a bathrobe with nothing underneath.
***
"Hey Herms!" A young woman, dressed casually in jeans and a light blue button down shirt, her light brown with golden highlighted hair tied back with a ribbon, approached. "I've been looking all *over* for you."
She sat down at the table, where I was reading a book. I looked up, slightly annoyed for being interrupted, but changed my opinion as I saw Marissa. "What is it, Marissa?" I put my marker in her book. I wondered what Marissa wanted. "Anything important?" I searched Marissa's eyes for signs of trouble. "I hope Andrea didn't do anything to Mrs Wilson." Mrs Wilson was our very strict English Literature Professor, who did *not* get along with Andrea, and vice versa.
"No, not really. And for Mrs Wilson, I don't think so. It's just that my parents are throwing a Benefit Party for the new Wing of the Hospital and I'm allowed to invite the three of you." Marissa pulled out a cream coloured envelope. "Here. It's on Saturday in two weeks. You don't have to bring a date, though it's suggested. Black Tie and everything, so you know." She stood up. "I have to tell Randy. I'm sure his parents already got their invitation, but I need to coordinate what we're wearing and when to arrive."
I smiled. I guess I'd have to find a date. But one matter stood out, a matter in which I could tease my friend. "Sure." She raised her eyebrows. "Coordinate what you're wearing? If it's black tie, isn't it kind of given what he's to wear?"
Marissa blushed. "Oh, you know, what *style* of dress. I have a dress fitting this afternoon for the dress. We're thinking Burgundy, chiffon, sleeveless and strapless with a bit of a train. But who knows. And Mother wants to reserve her for the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses. Of course, we're marrying in about *three* years, but that's my mother for you." She smiled. "Look, got to go. See you around. Call me?" And she left.
She was *used* to going to 'Black Tie' events. Marissa Sinclair was nineteen, smart, athletic and rich. Her family had 'old' money and her father was a doctor. Marissa didn't let any of it go to her head. She was as level headed as Hermione in situations, unless it involved her pet dog Fluffy. And Rissa, as she was called, never minded stepping in to help.
I read the invitation, stuck it into her pocket, and kept reading. Nothing could keep me away from a good book, even a fancy invitation. But I had to admit, the party sounded interesting and she couldn't wait to see Marissa's dress. Of course that meant finding her own…
&&&
The night of the dinner had arrived. I took a friend, Michael to the Dinner and Dana had also found a date. We stood together with Marissa and Randy by the staircase, a sweeping monstrosity that looked like it could have come out of "Gone With The Wind". And the fact that Andi wasn't there should have given us a signal that something wasn't right…
"Have you seen Andi?" Marissa suddenly spoke up, as the butler ushered the last guest in. "The invitation clearly read seven o'clock."
"It's Andi, Rissa. She's *always* late." Randy added, putting his arms around his fiancé. They had been engaged for over a year, on Marissa's eighteenth birthday, but wanted to wait until they were both finished with College to marry.
"I know, honey, but I'm worried. And- did anyone explain to her what Black-Tie meant?" Marissa suddenly took a deep breath.
I was the one who answered next. Me and my big mouth. "Of course. She said she wanted to go shopping to find the perfect dress. I offered to go with her, but she said she wanted to shop alone." Seeing Marissa open her mouth, I rushed to finish. "But I'm sure she bought something appropriate. Andi isn't stupid. She'll find something perfect.
I spoke to soon, was my thought as the doors suddenly opened as Andrea stepped in, wearing the most ridiculous dress in existence. It was purple and polka-dotted and puffy. Her high-heeled purple sandals completed the outfit. Looking towards my friends, Dana tried to hold in laughter, Marissa looked horrified and Randy looked aghast. Michael was shaking his head, and Dave, Dana's date, just had a small smile on his lips.
I think the most surprised person was Mrs Sinclair, though. Her face had gone white, and then suddenly red. It didn't match her black ball-gown, though. "Andrea Markman! How-how *dare* you enter this house in such a dress!"
Andrea stared at her. "I'm sorry, Mrs Sinclair. But I thought you would *like* this dress." We watched Mrs Sinclair's face go redder. Marissa noticed and hurried over, mumbling 'damage control'.
"Mother, I'm sure I can find something more *suitable* for Andrea. I'm sure she's very sorry about the dress…right?" Her last statement was directed to Andrea who played on it well.
"Of course, Mrs Sinclair. Obviously we have different fashion sense…but I'd be glad to change." Andrea put the most apologising expression on her face possible, convincing Mrs Sinclair of her sincere ness.
The Diner went with out incident, Andrea now wearing a black dress. But I think the night stayed in our memories forever. And I know Andrea still has that dress, just waiting for the right occasion.
***
All right. Another chapter done. You know, I'd still like a beta… Anyway, I found a few things to address in this chapter.
First, Andrea and the girls visiting. Er…that was totally unplanned. Honestly, I just wrote it and I can't get rid of it. But I'll just play on it. So if any of you are worried that I'm adding in OCs, don't worry about it. They won't be that big of a thing.
The italics were a flash back. I wanted some way to lengthen the chapter and to put in some of what Hermione went through while she was away. Thus, the Flashback. It's not as in depth as the story because it's just a memory, not actually happening.
And I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but there weren't any quotes this chapter. I wanted to try and write every chapter with quotes, but none fit in this chapter. I promise that there will be lots of quotes with Ginny, though. Our dear Hermi is going to learn that Ginny is a *lot* more than she seems.
So, with everything said, I'll leave you here, with a polite request for reviews.
-Myra 3/6/03